Sheet-feeding machine.



L. MIDDLEDITCH.

SHEET FEEDING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 24, 1912.

Patented Mar. 21, 1916.

8 SHEETS-SHEET I.

L. MIDDLEDITCH.

SHEET FEEDING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 24. I912.

n0 6. m. M 1 w mm W m m WM h m M Q & 7 o 0 w, wf W w 1 5% L. MIDDLEDITCH.

SHEET FEEDING MACHINE. AP1LICATION FILED 111E241 1912. 1,176,079. Patented Mar. 21, 1916.

8 SHEETS-SHEET 3- L. MIDDLEDITCH.

SHEET FEEDING MACHINE.

APPLICATION 1115:) JUNE 24, 1912.

1,176,079. Patented Mar. 21,1916.

8 SHEETSSHEET 4.

@513 M aflozmego L.' MIDDLEDITCH.

SHEET FEEDING MACHINE.

APPLICATION 1115011111224. 1912.

8 SHEETS-SHEET 6.

1am lillflll v L. MIDDLEDITCH.

SHEET FEEDING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED IUNE 24, 1912- l,176,07. Patented Mar. 21, 1916.

' a SHEETS-SHEET 1.

I x l INVENTOR ATTORNEYS WITNE888 L. MIDDLEDITCH.

SHEET FEEDING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 24. 1912.

1,176,079. Patented Mar. 21,1916.

8 SHEETSSHEET 8- ATTORNEYS LYMAN MIDDLED ITCH, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

SHEET-FEEDING MACHINE.

Application filed June 24, 1912. Serial No. 705,361.

certain new and useful Improvements in Sheet-Feeding Machines, of which the following is a specification.

The present invention relates to sheet separating and feeding machines and has more particularly reference to a sheet combing device.

The main object of the invention is to produce means for efficiently and quickly separating and feeding sheets to a printing or other machine.

Another feature of the invention resides in the means for lifting and lowering the combing wheel or sheet feeding device consisting in a lifting actuator which exerts a constant lifting force upon the combing device, and a timed mechanism which nor mally controls the lifting actuator aforesaid, together with a sheet actuated device whlch releases the connection between the timed actuating mechanism and the lifting actuator to permit the latter to become operative to lift the combing device quickly. This timed mechanism preferably tends to both raise and lower the combing wheel at predetermined intervals, and tends to restrain the lifting actuator until the advancing sheet breaks the connection between the timed mechanism and the liftingactuator to raise the combing wheel ahead of the time which it would otherwise be raised by the timed mechanism. Suitable means are also provided for restoring the broken connection between the timed mechanism and the lifting actuator aforesaid.

In order to break the connection between the timed mechanism andrthe lifting actuator when the sheet is to trip the combing wheel, it is preferred to utilize a fulcrum member. or abutment against which a rotating member, carried by the releasable connection, acts to disengage or break the connection aforesaid. In the more specific form here disclosed, the advance of a sheet positions a filling member in the path of a constantly rotating member. The said rotating member is mounted on a pivoted lever or connection so that when the said rotating member has moved the filling member into contact with the stationary abutment member, the further rotation of the rotatable member serves to move-the said lever or-connection around its pivot to thereby disengage it with respect to another member, whereby the connection between the timed mechanism and the lifting actuator is broken, for the time being, so as to permit the latter to act quickly to lift the combing wheel.

In the art as heretofore practised, it has Specification of Letters Patent. Patented Mar. 21, 1916. i

been customary ,to'moun't the combing wheel at the end of pivoted frames and to raise both the combing wheel and frame when it is desired to disengage the said combing wheel from the bank or pile of sheets.

One feature of the present'invention consists in lifting the combing wheel in the frame which supports it without lifting the said frame. In this way the work which the moving parts are called upon to do in disengaging the combing wheel from the pile or bank is much less than if the whole frame is raised. In connection with this feature, means are provided for temporarily supporting the combing frame so that it will not turn on its pivotal support while the combingwheel is being lifted.

Preferably an eccentric bushing is employed for raising and lowering the combing device with respect to the sheet support, which eccentric bushing is shifted intermittently. As disclosed herein, the said combing wheel is mounted on the eccentric bushing and this eccentric bushing is rocked intermittently by suitable means, such as by the timed mechanism, or by means of the auxiliary lifting actuator, which latter in the present case takes the form of a spring. In connection with the foregoing suitable means are provided for rotating the .combing wheel irrespective of the'position of the eccentric bushing. So far as this and certaln other features of the lnventlon is concerned, it is of course immaterial whether or not the combing wheel feeds the sheetschine. Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the rear end of the machine, showing more particularly the combing device. By placing Figs. 1, and 2 together, a complete plan view of the machine is obtained. Fig. 3 is a side elevation of the intermediate section of the machine shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a view in elevation of the gearing from the gear side of the machine, that is the side opposite to that shown in Fig. 3, showing the gearing for transmitting motion-to the intermediate section and rear end of the machine.

Fig. 5 is a side elevation'of the rear end of the machine, shown in Fig. 2. By placing Figs. 3 and 5 alongside each other, a complete view in side elevation of the machine may be had. Fig. 6 is a transverse sectional view on the line 99 of Fig. 3. Fig. 7 is a detail view of the drive for the combing wheel. Fig. 8 is a lon 'tudinal sectional view of part of the machine adjacent to the combing wheel, showing the mechanism of the latter exposed; with the parts in the position occupied when combing. Figs. 9 and 10 are views similar to Fig. 8, but confined to the combing wheel. Fig. 9 shows the combing wheel tripped, and Fig. 10 shows the combing wheel lifted but about to lower. Figs. 11 and 12 show views similar to Figs. 9 and 10, but in diagrammatic form." F1g. 11 shows the combing wheel tripped or lifted and the top sheet moving forward. Fig. 12 shows the tail end of the top sheet as having just passed the plane of the combing wheel, with the latter down combing the next underlying sheet. Fig. 13 is a detail view showing the abutment member, the filling member and the rotatable member. Fig. 14 is a detail view of the releasable connections from the timed mechanism for lifting the combing wheel, with the parts of Fig. 13 shown in position, together with the gearing for breaking the connection. Fig. 15 is a detail view of the gears shown in Fig. 14, to-

gether with the members for supporting the same, looking in the direction of the arrow 26 in Fig. 14:. Fig. 16 is a detail view of the filling member shown in Figs. 13 and 1 1.

Similar characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the several views.

1 indicates a feed board or other suitable member constituting a sheet pathor support, arranged adjacent to a printing or other machine. Suitable sheet forwarding or feeding means here taking the form of positively driven rollers 3 and drop roller: 4 are provided to advance the sheet over said feed board.

Adjacent to the rear end of the feed board 1 is another sheet support 9, which may be either in the form of a pile elevating mechanism or, as here disclosed, in the form of a table preferably having a bank feeding device. The feed board land the sheet support 9 may constitute one member, if desired. Intermediate the members 1 and 9 is a transfer or sheet feeding ofl' device 10, for feeding the sheet forwardly from the member 9 to the member 1. Above the pile or bank and the sheet support, are one or more sheet combing devices 11, in the present instance two, and since they are constructed alike, only one will bede* scribed.

12 is a combing wheel adapted to be raised and lowered by means of an eccentric. As here shown the eccentric 13 is loosely carried on a shaft 14 and directly mounts the comb mg wheel 12. The said combingwheel 12 is given, in the present instance, a continuous rotating motion from the shaft 14, irrespectlve of the up or down position of said wheel, by means of a pin and slot connection, such as the spider 15 fast on the shaft 14 and the pins 16 carried by the combing wheel (Fig. 7). So far as certain features of the invention are concerned, it is immaterial whether the combing wheel is employed to comb the sheets forwardly and rearwardly. In the present case the organization of the machine is such that the combing wheel rotates in a. rearward direction; The shaft 14 is hung in a bracket or frame 17 carried by two pairs of arms 18, one of which arms constitutes a gear casing supporting the gears 19 which transmit motion from the shaft 20 to the shaft 14. The two pairs of arms 18 are arranged one abovethe other. The lower arms 18 are loosely supported on the shaft 20, while the upper :arms

18 are supported on a pivot 20% so as to move in parallelism.

21 is a stationary rack on the framework into which the pawl 22 drops when the combing wheel islifted so as to prevent the arms 18 of the frame from turning around the shaft 20 and ivot 20. By the foregoing means, it will be observed, that only the combing wheel proper is lifted and lowered, and that the weight of the frame including the arms rack 21.

1 2o 18 1s sustained by the Any suitable means may be employed for I shifting the eccentric bushing 13, but the particular means here employed involve, themselves new and valuable features capas ble of use independently of the eccentric". bushing 13.

22 is a spring connected at one end to the statlonary framing and at its other end to 'a link 23 which is secured to the eccentric 13. -This spring constantly urges the eccentric 13 in one direction, viz: in a direction to lift the combing device. This spring may be considered as a lifting actuator or as an auxiliary actuating device for lifting the combing wheel. Means are provided for normally restraining the action of this spring, which means may be, and in the present instance are, a timed mechanism.

The said timed mechanism may act to shift the eccentric bushing in both directions to raise and lower the combing wheel in timed relation with the other moving parts of the machine, or it may act merely to lower the combing wheel in timed relation, leaving the work of raising the combing wheel to the spring 22, the action of which latter it restrains until the sheet has been combed rearwardly a sufficient distance. The said timed mechanism may take many forms, but in the present instance a controller 24' is employed connected at one end to the arms 25 of the eccentric bushing 13 (Fig. 15) and receiving its motion from the rockshaft 26 by means of the arm 27, rod 28 and rocker arm 29, the latter of which is pivoted at 30 on the combing wheel frame and connected to the controller 24 at the point 31. The periodic rocking of the rockshaft 26 will thus raise and lower the combing wheel in timed relation with the other parts of the machine, and will restrain the action of the spring 22. The rockshaft 26 is mounted above the rotating shaft 20, and may be rocked in any suitable manner. In the form here shown it receives its motion from the cam 32 (Fig. 8) pivoted lever 33 having cam roll 34, link 35, pivoted arms 36 (Figs. 2, 5 and 8) lifter bar 37 and upright link 38 having roll 39 resting on lifter bar 37. 38 is carried by two arms, one 40 being pivoted loosely on the rotating shaft 20 and the other 41 being secured to the rockshaft 26.

Suitable means are provided for breaking the connection between the eccentric bushing 13 and the timed actuating mechanism. In the present instance the controller 24 is composed of two telescoping members, one a casing 42 and the other a sliding member 43, sliding in said casing. These two members are connected by means of two locking members 44 and 45 in the form of hookswhich constitute a releasable connection between the eccentric bushing 13 and the timed actuating mechanism. The means for breaking this connection may vary, but preferably there is a stationary abutment member 46,

. and a movable filling member 47, which 15 and 16).

when brought together constitute a fulcrum against which a rotating member 48 acts to disengage the hooks 45 and 44 (Figs. 13, 14,

gear 49 engaging with a gear 50 carried on a stud 51 in the arms 25 of the eccentric Mounted on the shaft 14 is a bushing. Meshing with the gear 50 is a .gear 52 mounted on a stud 53 on the sliding This will release the eccentric 13 from the.

rest-raining influence of the timed mechanism, and will permit the spring 22 to assert its power causing the eccentric to be shifted quickly at a speed greater than the speed of the timed mechanism and causing the'sliding member 43 to slide in the casing 42. The combing wheel will thus be lifted quickly. At the same time the cam surface 54 on the sliding member 43 will pass beyond the point where the sliding rod 55 connected to pawl 22, is located, thereby. permitting the spring 56 to turn the pawl 22 on its pivot 57 to engage the rack 21 (Figs. 11 and 12). The casing 42 under the influence of the timed mechanism now descends until the hooks 44 and 45 interlock, the spring 58 restoring them to their interlocked position. As the casing 43 and sliding member 44 now ascend, the eccentric bushing 13 will be turned to lower the combing wheel into contact with the pile or bank. As the said member 43 ascends, the cam face 54 will engage the rod 55 and disengage the pawl 22 from the rack 21.

The means for bringing the filling member 47 into the path of the rotating member 48 will vary, but as herein shown they consist of a sheet controlled trigger 59 suspended in the path of the sheets; preferably immediately in rear of the combine; wheel and in the same plane longitudinally of the machine. In detail, a bracket 60 is provided suitably secured to the combing wheel frame. Carried by this bracket are upper and lower guides 61 forming a throat into which the sheets are combed. Carried by the support for bracket 60 is a support 62 through which slides a rod 63. Ad-iustably mounted on this rod 63 is the trigger 59. Adjustably mounted on this rod 63 are further the stops 64. The rod 63 is connected to a two armed lever 65 mounted at 66 on the combing wheel frame. The lever-.65 is connected to the pivoted member 67 by means of the hence the loose bracket 69, will yield in an upward direction.

73 is a spring for normally holding the filling member 47 out of the path of the rotating member 48.

As the sheet is combed into the throat 61 it will eventually engage the trigger 59, thereby causing a movement of the sliding rod 63 through the support 62. This movement will be transmitted through the connections described to the filling member 47 which will thereby be brought within reach of the rotating member 48, and is thereafter carried, by the latter, into engagement with the abutment member 46. The trigger 59 also serves to register the tail end of the sheet, and the stop 64 and the said trigger 59 can be so adjusted that the said stop 64 will not come in contact with the support 62 until some time after the combing wheel is tripped. The sheet will therefore continue to move, a short period after the combing wheel is tripped owing to itsinertia, and when the stop 64 reaches the support 62 the sheet will be registered against the trigger 59. In this connection it is observed that, when the combing wheel lifts, the turning movement of the eccentric is in the same direction as the direction of rotation of the combing wheel. Each combing wheel.

is tripped independently of the other, but both are raised and lowered simultaneously by the timed mechanism.

The shafts 20 and 26, as well as the entire combing wheel mechanism, are sup ported in a carriage '74 (Fig. 5) which is provided with bushings 75 adapted to slide on the longitudinal frame rods 76. These frame rods 76 are provided with racks 77 adapted to be engaged by the pinions 78 on the shaft 79 carried by the carriage 74. By rotating the knurled head 80 on shaft 79, the carriage 74, and with it the entire combing mechanism can be adjusted. The shaft 20 is rotated by means of the bevel gears 81 and 82, the former of which is carried by the shaft 20, and the'other of which is mounted slidingly on the shaft 83, supported in the framework, by means of a key 84.

In order to vary the amount of pressure with which the combing wheel engages-the pile or bank of sheets, one of the lower arms 18 is provided with an extension 85 (Fig. 8) to which is secured a spring 86 carried by the rod 87 adjustable in the lug 88 by means of the nut 89. In the present instance where the combing wheel moves the sheet rearwardly, suitable means are provided for moving the sheet forwardly off the support 9, after the sheet has been combed rearwardly. Various means may be employed, but, preferably two continuously rotating drawing-off rollers 90 are mounted above the sheet support 9, near the forward end thereof. Sheet lifting fingers 91 are further provided to raise the leading end of the sheet into engagement therewith. The fingers 91 are, in the present instance, pivoted on the lever 92 carried by the rockshaft 93, which latter receives its motion from the cam 94 through the arm 95 and cam roller 96. The fingers 91 carry a cam 97 adapted to engage with the rod 98. As the lever 92 rocks, the fingers 91 slide back and forth over the leading end of the sheets. Upon the stroke in one direction, the fingers 91 pass beyond the leading end of the top sheet, and as they return they pass in ununtil the sheet engages the trigger 59 when the filling member 47 is brought against the abutment member 46 which causes the hooks 44 and 45 to become disengaged so as to permit the spring 22 to turn the eccentric bush-- ing to lift the combing wheel. The parts now are in the position shown in Fig. 9. If the sheet does not engage the trigger 59 early enough, the timed mechanism will eventually turn the eccentric bushing to lift the combing wheel, without breaking the connection 44-45. The lifter fingers 91 will now move in under the sheet and lift it into engagement with the rollers 90, the combing wheel remaining in its elevated position. (See Fig. 11). If the trigger 59 was operated the timed mechanism 24 and the spring 58 will meanwhile have 'restored the broken connection 4445, and will begin to lower the combing wheel (see Fig. 10). As soon as the tailend of the sheet has passed the vertical plane in which the combing wheel moves (Fig. 12) the combing wheel will 'come in contact with the pile or bank of sheets, and engage the next underlying sheet while the top sheet is being removed. The bank or pile of sheets may be pushed forward by hand or may be on an elevatingtable as previously described. In the present instance, however, the bank is fed forwardly intermittently by the following means.

Located at opposite ends of the support 9 are pulleys 102, 103 (Figs. 5 and 8) over which pass the tapes 104 or other sheet feeding means. The pulley 102 is mounted on the-shaft 105 provided with the ratchet 106. I

Engaging with this ratchet 106 is a pawl 107 mounted on the lever 108, which lever 108 is mounted loosely on the shaft 105. At its lug free end the lever 108 is provided with a cam roll 109 engaging the cam.110. Carried by the lever 108 is an extension 111 provided with a lug 112. Asheet tripper 113 is located adjacent to the leading edge of the sheets and is provided with a hook 114 adapted to engage with the lug 112. The tripper isloosely mounted on the shaft 93 and is provided with a counterweight 115 normally tending to move the tripper 113 toward the sheets and the hook 114 off the 112.. When the said hook 114 is off the lug 112 the lever 108 will be free to follow the cam 110 and the tapes 104 will be moved forwardly. When the sheets have thus been moved forwardly the tripper 113 will be swung over until the hook 114 cugages the lug 112. This will hold the extension 111 and will prevent the lever 108- from following the cam 110 and therefore the.

movement of the tapes 104 will cease.

.In the present case power is applied to.

cross shaft 189. This shaft is provided with a gear 190 meshing with gear 191 loose on the camshaft 192. Mounted fast on the cam shaft 192 is another gear 193. A suitable clutch mechanism, which need not be de-' scribed, is interposed between the gear 191 and the cam shaft 192. Meshing with the gear 193 is a gear 194, which transmits motion to shaft 83 (Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 4) by means of gears 195, 196, 197, 198 and 199. The shaft 83, as has been previously explained, drives the combing wheel. The

gears 195 and 196 are mounted on a shaft 200 which extends across the machine and carries the rollers 99 (Figs. 1 and 8) and carries at its other end a gear 201 (Figs. 1 and 3) meshing with a gear 202 mounted eccentrically' on which meshes with the gear 204 on the shaft 205 carrying the rollers 90. By this means a variable motion is imparted to the rollers 90 so that the sheet will be started slowly and its speed gradually accelerated. The cam shaft 192icarries the cams 32, 94 and 110 for raising and lowering the combing wheel, for intermittently advancing the bank of pape'r'and for actuating the lifter fingers 91. The gear 194 (Figs. 1 and 4) further meshes with a pinion 206' which drives a gear 207 on the shaft 208. The shaft 208 carries one set of rollers 3 and drives a longitudinal shaft 209 by means of bevel gears 210,and cross shafts 211 extend at intervals carrying other rollers 3, said cross shafts being driven by means of bevel gears 212.

. What is claimed, is:

1. The combination with a sheet support and a sheet feeding device arranged to operthe rocking lever 203 and.

dei'ice, timed mechanism normally controlling the raising of the sheet'feeding device, arranged to lower the sheet feeding device at predetermined intervals and having connection with the lifting actuator to normally restrain the action of such lifting actuator,

' and a sheet feeding device arranged to operate on the sheets on said support and adapted to be raised and lowered with respect thereto, timed mechanism normally controlling thesheet feeding device to cause the same to be alternately raised and lowered at definite intervals, 'a' lifting actuator exerting a continuous lifting force upon the sheet feeding device, connections between the timed mechanism and lifting actuator whereby the action of the lifting actuator will be normally restrained and controlled by the timed mechanisnnand a sheet controlled device in said connections arranged when actuated to release the lifting actuator thereby permitting the same to become operative'to lift the sheet feeding means at a time earlier than the definite interval between raising and lowering normally con tion between the timed mechanism and the lifting actuator whereby the action of the lifting actuator will be normally restrained by the timed mechanism, and a sheet-controlled device arranged when actuated by a sheet to release the connection between the timed mechanism and lifting actuator to" permit the lifting actuator to becomeoperative to lift the sheet feeding device prlor to the time of lifting controlled by the tlmed mechanism.

4. The combination with a sheet support and a sheet feeding device arranged, to operate onv the sheets on said support, and adapted to be raised and lowered with respect thereto, relatively slow-acting timed mechanism arranged to normally control the lifting and lowering of the sheet feeding device at certain regular intervals, a relatively quick-acting lifting actuator .exerting a force to lift the sheet feeding device in advance of the time of lifting normally controlled by' the timed mechanism, a releasable connection. between the timed mechanism and the lifting actuator whereby the action of the lifting actuator will be normally restrained by the timed mechanism, and a sheet-controlled device arranged when actuated to release the connection aforesaid to thereby permit the relatively quick-acting lifting actuator to lift the sheet feeding device in advance of the relatively slow lifting movement controlled by the timed mechanism. y

5. The combination with a sheet supportand a sheet feeding device arranged to operate on the sheets on said support, and adapted to be raised and lowered with respect thereto, timed mechanism arranged to normally control the lifting and lowering of the sheet feeding device at certain regular intervals, a lifting actuator exerting a force to raise the sheet feeding device at a time prior to the time of lifting controlled by the timed mechanism, a releasable connectionbetween the timed mechanism and the lifting actuator whereby the action of the lifting actuator will be normally'restrained by thetimed mechanism, a sheet-controlled device arranged when actuated by a sheet to release the connection between the timed mechanism and lifting actuator to permit the lifting actuator to become operative to lift the sheet feeding device prior to the, time of lifting controlled by the timed mechanism, and means for restoring the connection between the timed mechanism and lifting actuator after the lifting actuator has raised the sheet feeding device.

6. The combination with a sheet support and a rotating combing wheel arranged to operate on the sheets upon said support, and adapted to be raised and lowered with respect thereto, a lifting actuator exerting a constant lifting force upon the combmg wheel, timed mechanism normally controlling the raising of the combing wheel, arranged to lower the combing wheel at prede termined intervals and having connection with the lifting actuator to normally restrain the action of such lifting actuator, a

sheet-controlled device arranged when actuated by a sheet to release the connection between the timed mechanism and lifting acing and lowering the combing device with respect to the sheet support comprising, an eccentric member arranged when operated to cause the actual raising and lowering of the combing device, a timed mechanism control,-

ling the movements of the eccentric member in raising and lowering the combing device, connections between the timed mechamsm and the eccentric member, an auxiliary aca sheet for breaking the connection between the timed mechanism and the. eccentric member to therebypermitthe auxiliary actuating device to impart a quick shifting movement to the eccentric member, and means for restoring the broken connection aforesaid.

8. In a sheet feeding machine, a sheet support, a combing device arranged to operate upon the sheets on said support, and means forvraising and lowering the combing device comprising, an eccentric bushing mounting the combing device, timed mechanism controlling the movement of the eccentric bushing in opposite directions, connectionsbetween the timed mechanism and the eccentric bushing, an auxiliary actuating 'device constantly urging the eccentric bushing in one direction at a speed greater than that of the timed mechanism and normally restrained by the latter, means controlled by the ad- Vance of a sheet for breaking the connection between the timed mechanism and the eccentric bushing to thereby permit said auxiliary' actuating device to quickly shift the eccentric bushing, and means for restoring the broken connection between the timed mechanism and the eccentric bushing.

- 9. In combination with a sheet support and a combing device arranged to operate upon the sheets on said support, and adapted to be raised and lowered with respect thereto, timed'mechanism arranged .to lower the combing device at predetermined intervals and arranged further to normallypermit the combing device to be raised at predetermined times, a lifting actuator normally connected with the timed mechanism and acting normally to raise. the combing device only so fast as permitted to do so by the timed mechanism, and means controlled by the advance'of the sheet to break the connection between the lifting actuator and timed mechanism to permit the lifting actuator to operate independently of the timed mechanism.

10. In combination with a sheet support and a combing device arranged to operate upon the sheets on said support, and adapted to be raised and lowered with respect there,- to, timed mechanlsm arranged to lower the combing device at predetermined intervals and arranged further to normally permit the combing device to be raised at predetermined times, a lifting actuator normally connected with the timed mechanism and acting normally to raise the combing device only so fast as permitted to do so by the timed mechanism, means controlled by the advance of the sheet to break the connection between the lifting actuator and timed mechanism to permit the lifting actuator and timed mechanism to permit the lifting actuator to operate independently of the timed mechanism, and means for restoring the broken connection between the timed mechanism and the lifting actuator after the lifting actuator has raised the combing device.

11'. In a sheet feeding machine, the combination with a sheet support, of a combing wheel, an eccentric support on which the combing wheel is mounted, means for rotating the combing wheel, a lifting actuator exerting a constant force on the eccentric support to turn the same to lift the combing wheel, timed mechanism normally connected with the eccentric support arranged when so connected to control the movements of the eccentric support to raise and lower the combing wheel at regular intervals, a sheet controlled device arranged when actuated by a sheet to disconnect the timed mechanism from the eccentric support to thereby permit the lifting actuator to turn the eccentric support to lift the combing wheel independent of control of the timed mechanism, and means for restoring the connection between the eccentric support and the timed mechanism after the combing wheel has been raised by the lifting actuator.

12. In combination, a sheet support, a combing wheel, an eccentric support on which the combing wheel is mounted, timed mechanism normally connected with the eccentric support arranged when so connected to positively move the eccentric support to lower the combing wheel at definite intervals, a lifting actuator exerting a constantv force to turn the eccentric support to lift the combing wheel as fast as permitted by the timed mechanism, a sheet controlled device arranged when actuated by the sheet to disconnect the timed mechanism from the eccentric'support to thereby render the lifting actuator free to turn the eccentric support independent of control of the timed mechanism, and means for restoring the connection between the timed mechanism and e the eccentric support after the combing wheel has been raised by the lifting actuator so that upon the next movement the timed mechanism will positively turn the eccentric support to again lower the combing wheel.

13, In a sheet feeding machine, a sheet support, a combing wheel frame loosely mounted on a member at one end, a combing wheel mounted in the free end of the frame, means for driving said combing wheel, and means for raising and lowering the combing wheel in the frame.

1 1. In a sheet feeding machine, a sheet support, a combing wheel frame pivoted on a member at one end, a combing wheel mounted-in the free end of the frame, means 16. In a sheet feeding machine, a sheet support, a frame pivoted on the framework,

a shaft mounted in the free end of the frame, means for rotating theshaft, an eccentric bushing on said shaft, a combing wheel carried thereby, means for shifting the eccentric bushing to raise and lower the combing wheel, and means for rotating the combing wheel from the shaft irrespective of the position of the eccentric bushing.

17. In a sheet feeding machine, a sheet support, a frame pivoted on the framework, ashaft mounted in the free end of the, frame, means for rotating the shaft, an eccentric bushing on said shaft, a combing wheel carried thereby, means for shifting the eccentric bushing to raise and lower the combing wheel, and a pin and slot connection between the shaft and the combing wheel.

18. In a sheet feeding machine, a sheet support, a combing device arranged to. operate upon the sheets on said support, a supporting frame for the combing device freely movable to permit the combing device to properly engage the sheets on the support, and means for tripping the combing device with respect to the sheet support comprising, means for temporarily supporting the combing frame, and means for raising the upon the sheets on said support, a frame in which the combingwheel mounted, said frame being loosely mounted to adapt itself to the height of the sheets, sheet-controlled mechanism for raising the combing wheel in the frame, and means for temporarily supporting the frame while the combing wheel is being raised.

21. In-combination with a sheet support,

.a combing frame mounted to swing about" a center of support, a combing wheel mounted in said frame "arranged when in engagement with the sheets on the sheet support to support the free end of the combin frame, and sheet-controlled mechanism or simultaneously supporting'the free end of the combing frame and raising the combing wheel within the frame.

22. In combination with a sheet support, a combing frame pivota'lly supported at one end with its 'freeend overhanging the sheet support, a combing wheel journaled-in the free end of the combing frame arranged when in engagement with the sheets on. the

support .to sustain the free end of the combin frame, sheet-controlled mechanism for ralsing the combing wheel in the frame, .and-

' a temporary support'for the free end of the ing the combing frame when the eccentric bushing is turned to raise the combing wheel.

24. In a sheet feeding machine, a sheet "support, combing frame pivotall supported at one end with its free end over anging the sheet support, an eccentric bushing mounted in the free end of the combing frame, a combing wheel journaled on said bushing serving when in engagement with the sheets to support the free end of the combing frame, a lifting actuator constantly acting on the ,eccentric bushing to turn the same to raise the combing wheel, means normally re straining said lifting actuator, a sheet controlled trip for releasing the restraining means, and means for temporarily supporting the free end of the combing frame when the eccentric bushing is turned to raise the combing. wheel.

25. In a sheet feeding machine, a sheet support, a combing wheel arranged to operate upon the sheets on said support, a combing frame for the combing wheelmounted to adjust itself to the height of the sheets, sheet controlled mechanism for raising the combing wheel within the frame,

, means for temporarily supporting the combing-frame when the combing wheel is raised, and means for again lowering the combing wheel into engagement with thev sheets and freeing the combing frame of thetemporary support.

26; In a sheet feeding machine, a sheet support, a combing frame pivoted at one end with its free end overhanging the sheet support, an eccentric bushing mounted in the free end of the combing frame, a combing wheel carried by the eccentric bushing, sheet-controlled mechanism for turning the eccentric bushing to raise the combing wheel, means for supporting the free end of the combing frame when the combing wheel is raised, means for turning the eccentric bushing to lower the combing wheel, "and means for releasing the temporary support for thecombins; frame when the combing wheel is lowere I 27. In a sheet feeding machine, a sheet support, a combing frame pivotally supported at one end and having its free end overhanging the sheet support, an eccentric bushing journaled in the free end of the combing frame, a combing wheel supported by the eccentric bushing, a lifting actuator constantly acting on the eccentric bushing to turn the same to lift the combing wheel,

means normally restraining the lifting actuator, a sheet-controlled trip for releasing the restraining means to permit the lifting actuator to become operative to raise the combing wheel, means for temporarily supporting the free end of the combing frame when the combing Wheel is raised, means for turning the eccentric, bushing to lower the combing wheel, and. means for simultaneously releasing the temporary support.

28. In a sheet feeding machine, a sheet support, a combing frame movably mounted above the sheet support, an eccentric bushing journaled in the combing frame, a combing wheel supported by the eccentric bushing'arranged when in engagement with the sheets to support the combing frame, a lifting actuator constantly acting on the eccentric bushing to turn the same to raise the combing wheel, timed mechanism normally connected with the eccentric bushing to control the raising and lowering of the combing wheel at regular intervals, sheet-controlled mechanism or releasing the connections between the timed mechanism and the eccentric bushing to permit .the lifting actuator to become operative to raise the combing wheel, and means for temporarilysupporting the combing frame when the combing wheel has been raised.

29. In a sheet feeding machine, a sheet support, a combing wheel frame movably mounted above the sheet support, an eccentric bushing journaled in the combing wheel frame, a combing wheel supported by the eccentric bushing arranged when in engagement with the sheets to support the combing wheel frame, timed mechanism normally connected with the eccentric bushing having a movement in one direction to turn the eccentric bushing to lower the combing wheel and having a movement in the opposite direction to allow the eccentric bushingto be turned to raise the combing wheel, a lifting actuator constantly acting on the eccentric bushing to turn the same to raise the combing wheel as fast as permitted by the timed mechanism, sheet controlled mechanism for releasing the connection between the timed mechanism and the eccentric bushing to permit the lifting actuator to become operative to raise the combing wheel irrespective of the timed mechanism, means for tempofor shifting the eccentric bushing intermit tently.

31. A sheet support, a combing device, means for imparting a feeding motion to the combing device, an eccentric bushing for raising and lowering the combing device with respect to the sheet support, and means for rocking the eccentric bushing intermittently.

32. A sheet support, a rotary combing device, means for imparting a rotary feeding motion to the combing device, an eccentric bushing for raising and lowering the combing device with respect to the sheet support, and means for shifting the eccentric bushing intermittently.

33. A sheet support, a rotary combing device, means for imparting a rotary feeding motion to the combing device, an eccentric bushing for raising and lowering the combing device with respect to the sheet support, and means for rocking the eccentric bushing intermittently.

34. A sheet support, a combing device, means for imparting a feeding motion to the combing device, an eccentric bushing for raising and lowering the combing device with respect to the sheet support, means for shifting the eccentric bushing intermittently, and means actuated by the movement of the sheet for controlling the shifting means.

35. A sheet support, a combing device,

means for imparting'a feeding motion to the combing device, an eccentric bushing for raising and lowering the combing device with respect to the sheet support, means for rocking the eccentric bushing intermittently, and means actuated bythe movement of the sheet for controlling the rocking means.

36. A sheet support, a rotary combing device, means for imparting a rotary feeding motion to the combing device, an eccentric bushing for raising and lowering the combing device with respect to the sheet support, means for shifting the eccentric bushing intermittently, and means actuated by the movement of the sheet for controlling the shifting means.

37. A sheet support, a rotary combing device, means for imparting a rotary feeding motion to the combing device, an eccentric bushing for raising and lowering the combing device with respect to the sheet support, means for rocking the eccentric bushing intermittently, and means actuated by the movement of the sheet for controlling the rocking means.-

38. A sheet support, a combing device, means for imparting a feeding motion to the combing device, an eccentric bushing for raising and lowering the combing device with respect to the sheet support, means under the control of the sheet for automatically shifting the eccentric bushing to raise the combing device, and means for automatically shiftingthe eccentric'bushing to restore the combing device to its lowermost position.

39. A sheet support, a combing device, means for imparting a feeding motion to the combing device, an eccentric bushing for raising and lowering the combing device with respect to the sheet support, means under the control of the sheet for automatically shifting the eccentric bushing in one direction to raise the combing device, and means for automatically shifting the eccentric bushing in the opposite direction to restore the combing device to its lowermost position.

40. A sheet support, a rotary combing device, means for imparting a rotary feeding motion to the combing device, an eccentric bushing for raising and lowering the combing device with respect to the sheet support, means under the control of the sheet for automatically shifting the eccentric bushing to raise the combing device, and means for automatically shifting the eccentric bushing to restore the combing device to its lowermost position.

41. A sheet support, a rotary combing device, means for imparting a rotary feeding motion to the combing device, an eccentric bushing for raising and lowering the comb ing device with respect to the sheet support, means under the control of the sheet for automatically shifting the eccentric bushing in one direction to raise the combing device, and means for automatically shifting. the eccentric bushing inthe opposite direction to restore the combing device to its lowersupport, a combing wheel, an eccentric bushmg mounting the combing wheel, means for imparting a rotating feeding motion to the combing wheel, and meansfor shifting the eccentric bushing to raise and lower the combing wheel with respect .to the sheet support.

44. In a sheet feeding machine, a sheet support, a combing wheel, an-eccentric bushing mounting the combing wheel, means for imparting a continuous rotating feeding motion to the combing wheel, and means for intermittently shifting the eccentric bushing to raise and lower the combing wheel with respect to the sheet support.

45..In a sheet feeding machine, a sheet I support, a combing wheel, means for imparting a continuous rotary feedlng motlon to the combing wheel, an eccentric bushing mounting the combing wheel, and means for intermittently rocking the eccentric bushing to raise and lower the combing wheel with respect to the sheet support.

46. In a sheet feeding machine, a sheet support, a combing device, means for imparting a feeding motion to the combing device, an eccentric bushing mounting the combing device, means for shifting the eccentric bushing intermittently to raise and lower the combing device with respect to the sheet support, and means actuated by the movement of the sheet for controlling the shifting means.

47. In a sheet feeding machine, a sheet support, acombing wheel, an eccentric bushing mounting the combing wheel, means for imparting a continuous rotary feeding motion to the combing wheel, means for shifting the eccentric bushing intermittently to raise and lower the combing wheelwith respect to the sheet support, and means actuated by the movement of the sheet for controlling the shifting means.

48. In a sheet feeding machine, a sheet support. a combing wheel, means for imparting a continuous rotary feeding motion to the combing wheel, an eccentric bushing mounting the combing wheel, means for rocking the eccentric bushing intermittently to raise and lower the combing wheel with respect to the sheet support, and means actuated by the movement of the sheet for controllin the rocking means.

49. n ,a sheet feeding machine, a sheet support, a combing device, means for imparting a feeding motion to the combing device, an eccentric bushing mounting the combing device, means under the control of the sheet for automatically shifting the eccentric bushing to raise the combing device, means for automatically shiftin the eccentric bushing to restore the com bing device to its lowermost position.

50. In a sheet feeding machine, a sheet support, a combing wheel, means for imparting a continuous rotary feeding motion to the combing wheel, an eccentric bushing mounting the combing wheel, means under the control of the sheet for automatically shifting the eccentric bushing to raise the combing wheel, and means for automatically shifting the eccentric bushing to restore the combing wheel to its lowermost position.

51. In a sheet feeding machine, a sheet support, a combing wheel, means for rotat-- ing the combing wheel, an eccentric bushing mounting the combing wheel, means under the control of the sheet for automatically shifting the eccentric bushing in one direction to raise the combing wheel, and means for automatically shifting the eccentric bushing in the opposite direction to restore the combing wheel to its lowermost position. 52. In a sheet feeding machine, a sheet support, a combing wheel, an eccentric bushing mounting the combing wheel, means for imparting a rotating. feeding motion to the combing wheel, means under the control of the sheet for automatically rocking the eccentric bushing in one direction to raise the combing wheel, and means for automatically rocking the eccentric bushing in the opposite direction to restore the combing wheel to its lowermost position.

53. In a sheet feeding machine, a sheet support, a combing wheel, an eccentric bushing to raise and lower the combing wheel with respect to the sheet support, and means for rotating the combing wheel independently of the raising and lowering motion imparted by the eccentric bushing.

support, a combing wheel, an eccentric bushing mounting the combing wheel, means for intermittently rocking the eccentric bushing to raise and lower the combing wheel with respect to the sheet support, and means for continuously rotating the combing wheel in- 54. In a sheet feeding-machine, a sheet the combing wheel, means for automatically shifting the eccentric bushing to restore the combing wheel to its lowermost position, and means for rotating the combing wheel independently of the raising and lowering motion imparted bythe eccentric bushing.

56. In a sheet feeding machine, a sheet support, a combing wheel, an eccentric bush- 7 ing mounting the combing wheel, means under the control of the sheet for automatically rocking the eccentric bushing in one direction to raise the combing wheel, means for automatically rocking the eccentric bushing in the opposite direction to restore the combing wheel to its lowermost position, and means for rotating the combing wheel independently of the raising and lowering motion imparted by the eccentric bushing.

57. In a sheet feeding machine, a sheet support, a combing device, an eccentric bushing mounting the combing device, means for imparting a feeding movement to the combing device, and means for shifting the eccentric bushing in the direction of the feeding movement of the combing device.

58. In a. sheet feeding machine, a sheet support, a combing wheel, means for imdirection of rotation of the combing wheel.

59. In a sheet feeding machine, ,a sheet support, a combing wheel, means for imparting a continuous rotating feeding movement to the combing wheel, an eccentric bushing mounting the combing wheel, means for intermittently rotating the eccentric bushing in the direction of the feeding movement of the combing wheelto raise the combing wheel with respect to the sheet support, and means for intermittently rotating the eccentric bushing in the opposite direction to lower the combing wheel on the sheet support. I

60. In a sheet feeding machine, a sheet support, a combing device, an eccentric member for raising and lowering the comb ing devic'e, means for turning the eccentric member, a member connected to the turning means, a member connected to the eccentric member, a releasable connection between the said two members, a fulcrum member, a rotating member connected with the releasable connection arranged to act against the fulcrum member to free the releasable connection aforesaid whereby the two members are disconnected, means for turning the eccentric bushing when the connection is thus broken independently of the first turning means, and means for restoring the broken connection.

61. In a sheet feeding machine, a sheet support, a combing wheel, an eccentric member for raising and lowering the combing wheel, means for turning the eccentric member, a member connected to the turning means, a second member connected to the eccentric member, a releasable connection between the said two members, a fulcrum member, a rotating member connected with the releasable connection arranged to act against the fulcrum member to operate the releasable connection whereby the two members are disconnected, means for turning the eccentric member when the connection is thus broken between the two members independently of the first turning means, and means for restoring the broken connection.

62. In a sheet feeding machine, a sheet support, a combing Wheel, an eccentric member for raising and lowering the combing wheel, means for turning the eccentric member, a member connected to the turning means, a second member connected to the eccentric member, a releasable .connection between the said two members, a fulcrum member, a rotating member carried by the releasable connection arranged to act against the fulcrum member to operate the releasable connection and thereby disconnect'the two members aforesaid, means for turning the eccentric member to raise the combing wheel when the connection between the two members is thus broken independently of the first turning means, and means for restoring the broken connection.

63. In a sheet feeding machine, a sheet support, a combing wheel, an eccentric member for raising and lowering the combing wheel, means for turning the eccentric member, a member connected to the turning means, a member connected to the eccentric member, a releasable connection between the said two members, a lifting actuator constantly acting on the eccentric member to turn the same to raise the combing wheel, the turning means arranged when connected with the eccentric member to restrain the action of the lifting actuator in one direction and having a movement in the opposite direction to turn the eccentric member to lower the combing wheel, a fulcrum member, a rotating member connected with the releasable connection arranged to act against the fulcrum member to operate the releasable connection whereby the connection between the two members aforesaid will be broken to permit the constantly acting lifting actuator to turn the eccentric member to raise the combing wheel independent of the restraint normally exercised by the turning means.

64. In a sheet feeding machine, a sheet support, a combing device, a shaft mounting said combing device, an eccentric bushing for raising and lower the combing device, means for turning the eccentric bushing, a" member connected to the turning means, a member pivotally connected to the eccentric bushing, a pivoted lever forming a connection between the two members, a rotating member on the pivoted lever, means for driving said rotary member from the shaft, a fulcrum against which said rotatingmember acts to turn the lever on its pivot whereby the connection between the two members is broken, means for turning the eccentric bushing when the connection is thus broken independently of the first turn- .ing means, and means for restoring the broken connection.

65. In a sheet feeding machine, a combing device, a shaft mounting'said combing device, an eccentric bushing for raising and lowering the combing device, means for turning the eccentric bushing, a member connected to the turning means, a member pivotally connected to the eccentric bushing, a

lever pivoted to the second member forming a releasable connection, between the two members, a rotating member on the pivoted lever, means for driving said rotary member the combing wheel, means for turning the-- eccentric bushing, a reciprocating member connected to the turning means, a member pivotally connected to the eccentric bushing, a lever pivoted on the second memberforming a releasable connection between the two members, a rotatin member on the pivoted 1 5 lever, means for driving said rotating member from the shaft, a fulcrum against which said rotating member acts to turn the lever on its pivot whereby the connection between the two members is broken, means for turning the eccentric bushing to raise the combing wheel when the connection is thus broken independently of the first turning means, and means for restoring the broken connection. 67. In. a sheet feeding machine, a sheet support, a combing device, a shifting .member for raising and lowering the combing device, powermeans for operating said shifting member, a member connected to the power means, a second member connected to the shifting member,- a releasable connection between the said two members, a lifting actuator arranged to operate the shifting member to raise the combing device when u the connection between the two members said.

aforesaid is broken, a rotating member connected with the releasable connection, a fulcrum against which therotating member may act to operate the releasable connection, and means controlled 'by the advance of a 7 sheet for positioning said fulcrum in the path of the rotating member. a

68. In a sheet feeding machine, a sheet support, a combing device, an eccentric bushing mounting the combing device for raising and lowering-the same, means for turnin said eccentric bushing, a member connecte to the turning means, a second member connected to the eccentric bushing, a releasable connection between the said two members, a. 0 lifting actuator arranged to turn the eccentric bushing to lift the combing wheel when the releasable connection has been operated to disconnect the two members aforesaid, a rotating member connected with the re- 5 leasable connection, a fulcrum member against which the rotating member may act to operate the releasable connection, and means controlled bytheadvance of a sheet for positioning the fulcrum in the path of the rotating member. 7

69. In a sheet feedingmachine, a sheet support, a combing wheel, an eccentric bushing mounting the combing wheel for raising and lowering the same with respect, to the sheet support, means for turning the eccentric bushing, a member connected to the turning means, a second member connected to the eccentric bushing, a releasable connection between the said two members, 0 a lifting actuator connected with the eccentric bushing and arranged to turn the same to raise the combing wheel when the connection between the two members aforesaid is bro-ken, a rotating member connected with the releasable connection, a fulcrum against which the rotating member may act to operate the releasable connection, means controlled by the advance of a sheet for positioning the fulcrum in the path of the ro- 11o tating member, and means for restoring the connection between the two members afore 70. In a sheet feeding machine, a sheet support, a combing device, an eccentric member for raising and lowering the combing device, means for turningthe eccentric bushing, two members, one connected to the turning means and the other to the eccentric member, a pivoted lever'forming a con-' nection between the two members, a rotating member on said lever, a fulcrum against which said rotating member acts to turn the lever around its pivot whereby the connection between the two members is broken, means forv turning the eccentric member when the connection is broken independently of the first turning means, and means for restoring the broken connection.

71. Ina sheet feeding machine, a sheet 189 

